Colorado Fifth, Sixth Graders Can Take Advantage Of Free Ski Days

At A Glance

Where

Aspen, Colorado

Colorado resorts take care of fifth graders in the state, as every fifth grade student qualifies for the Fifth Grade Passport. It's free through Colorado Ski Country USA. Every fifth grader who registers gets three days on the slopes for free, at all of Colorado Ski Country USA's 21 participating resorts.

The deal for sixth graders isn't shabby either. Sixth graders get four days on the snow at each of the 21 resorts, at a cost of $99.

It gets even better this year as CSCUSA is introducing First Class. It is a program available for fifth graders who have never tried skiing or snowboarding. Passport holders get one free ski or snowboard lesson, which includes rentals, anytime in January which is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA, says, "We're thrilled that each year participants use the Passport to ski and snowboard in Colorado, and this year we're even more excited to extend to 5th graders the chance to have a professional introduction to our state's official sports with our new First Class lesson opportunity."

Colorado Ski Country USA started the program 15 years ago and it continues to be successful. Mills adds, "Since its inception we've helped more than 200,000 families enjoy skiing and snowboarding at our resorts by giving them an entrée to access them. The program has grown over the years and we've added a great opportunity for kids who haven't been taught to ski or snowboard to learn the basics for free."

Most elementary schools receive information about the pass. You also can sign up online.

Vail Resorts offers a similar program at its four Colorado mountains: Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Breckenridge. They'll throw in Arapahoe Basin for good measure. The School of Shred pass is good for four free unrestricted days of skiing or snowboarding at any and all of the five Vail Resorts mountains. The only way to get the pass is to bring a 5th or 6th grade report card to a Front Range pass sales location or any special event by Nov. 7. You can also check with the Keystone or Vail ticket offices to get a pass before the deadline. But call first, and check on off-season hours.The child must be there to get a picture taken. The elementary school that registers the most fifth grade School of Shred participants by Oct. 18, will have a chance to win a visit by Lindsey Vonn, World Ski Champion and principal of the School of Shred.